**British & Irish Lions Overhaul Squad for Western Force Opener: Williams and Pollock Handed Starting Roles**
The British and Irish Lions, under the stewardship of head coach Andy Farrell, have unveiled a dramatically revamped team for their much-anticipated tour opener against Western Force in Perth. After a narrow defeat against Argentina in Dublin last week, Farrell’s approach signals both a response to the result and a desire to trial a host of fresh combinations in the first fixture on Australian soil.
Farrell’s selection is notable for its wholesale changes from the side that was narrowly beaten by Los Pumas 28-24 at the Aviva Stadium. Only Sione Tuipulotu and Tadhg Beirne have retained their starting berths, underlining the coach’s intention to explore his squad depth and evaluate potential Test starters ahead of a demanding series Down Under.
Among those promoted to the starting line-up is Wales’ Tomos Williams, rewarded for his impressive appearance from the bench in Dublin with a place among the starting XV. Elsewhere, England’s Henry Pollock also gains as Farrell opts to blend the established talent with exciting new prospects in key positions.
Touching down in Australia only days ago, the Lions now face a busy itinerary that will see them contest three Tests against the Wallabies as well as a slate of matches versus local clubs. The meeting with Western Force kicks off the schedule, with Farrell opting to recall several Leinster stars who were missing from last week’s encounter against Argentina.
Elliot Daly has been named at full-back, whilst the wings will be occupied by James Lowe and Mack Hansen. The midfield pairing consists of Tuipulotu and Garry Ringrose, while the half-backs will comprise Williams at scrum-half and Finn Russell at fly-half, suggesting Farrell is eager to see how this combination fares against the Super Rugby opposition.
Up front, the Irish influence is strong. The front row is made up of Pierre Schoeman, Dan Sheehan (who also skippers the side), and Tadhg Furlong. In the engine room and back row, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Scotland’s Scott Cummings, and Josh van der Flier join forces, with Pollock named at number eight. Notably absent from the matchday squad is Wales’ Jac Morgan, who misses out on this occasion.
Sheehan’s appointment as captain marks a career highlight for the Leinster hooker, who will lead the Lions out for the first time. Speaking on the eve of the match, Farrell praised his squad’s adaptation to travel demands, stating: “We have had a good week of training and all of the travel and time zone changes have been managed really well, so we are good to go. Dan Sheehan gets the opportunity to lead the side, which is a great honour for him and his family – so congratulations to him as he captains the side on his Lions debut.”
Farrell also referenced the challenge Western Force poses, acknowledging the unique motivation that comes when Super Rugby teams face the Lions, and predicting a tenacious contest in Perth as his touring side settles into their campaign.
This significantly altered line-up will be closely scrutinised, as supporters and pundits alike seek hints at future Test selections and combinations. The opening clash against Western Force presents an opportunity for several new faces to make their mark and stake a claim ahead of the three-match Test series against Australia, which begins in July.
The Lions XV to face Western Force is: Elliot Daly; Mack Hansen, Garry Ringrose, Sione Tuipulotu, James Lowe; Finn Russell, Tomos Williams; Pierre Schoeman, Dan Sheehan (capt), Tadhg Furlong, Scott Cummings, Joe McCarthy, Tadhg Beirne, Josh van der Flier, and Henry Pollock. Replacements include Ronan Kelleher, Andrew Porter, Will Stuart, Ollie Chessum, Jack Conan, Alex Mitchell, Huw Jones, and Marcus Smith.
With anticipation building and the start of the Test series on the horizon, all eyes will be on Farrell’s experimental outfit in their curtain-raiser against the Force – the first clear signpost of how the tourists intend to shape their campaign in Australia.